NADDC, NMDPRA Strengthen Collaboration on Energy Transition

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration to support Nigeria’s automotive development and drive the country’s energy transition.

The Director General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the regulatory authority in Abuja, where both agencies discussed strategies to strengthen cooperation in promoting cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternatives.

During the meeting, Osanipin highlighted NADDC’s role in regulating and supporting the conversion of vehicles from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), stressing the importance of safety and quality standards in the process.

“As the regulatory body for the automotive sector, NADDC is committed to ensuring that all vehicle conversions to CNG meet strict safety and quality standards,” Osanipin said.

He noted that the council is working closely with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to certify CNG conversion kits and accredit qualified workshops capable of carrying out the conversions safely and efficiently.

“Through our partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, we are ensuring that only certified conversion kits are used and that workshops handling these conversions are properly accredited,” he added.

In his response, the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Saidu Mohammed, reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with NADDC to advance the adoption of gas-powered vehicles.

Mohammed emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate gas supply across the country to support the growing number of CNG conversion centres.

“As more Nigerians adopt CNG as an alternative fuel, it is essential that we guarantee consistent and adequate gas availability nationwide,” he said.

“Collaboration between our agencies will be critical to ensuring that the infrastructure and supply systems required for this transition are in place.”

Both agencies agreed that stronger coordination between regulators in the automotive and energy sectors would play a key role in accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources while supporting innovation and growth in the country’s automotive industry.